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Statins

Statins are a group of important medications that is often some of the most prescribed in the world. They are referred to as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

This class of medications primarily acts to lower Cholesterol in the body. Often this is done by reducing the production of Cholesterol in the Liver.

Cholesterol is important in the every day function of the boy and cells. However, when cholesterol is produced or consumed in excess – then that is when the problems are seen.

Plaques are seen and develop that may increase the chances for the individual to have a serious medical problem such as heart attack, heart failure, the build-up of plaque in the arteries, etc.

Several Different Uses:

1.)  Heart Failure 
2.)  Elevated Cholesterol
3.)  Arteriosclerosis
4.)  Atherosclerosis

Other Potential Uses

1.)  Obesity
2.)  Diabetes
3.)  High blood pressure
4.)  Others

Method of Action:

–  Lowers cholesterol production
–  Inhibits enzyme HMG-CoA reductase
–  This enzyme is produced in the liver and causes production of cholesterol

Medication Names:

.  Atorvastatin  [Lipitor]
.  Fluvastatin  [Lescol]
.  Lovastatin  [Mevacor, Altocor]
.  Mevastatin
.  Pitavastatin  [Livalo]
.  Pravastatin  [Pracachol]
.  Rosuvastatin  [Crestor]
.  Simvastatin  [Zocor]

Medication Combinations

.  Atorvastatin + Amlodipine  [Caduet]
.  Lovastatin + Niacin  [Advicor]
.  Simvastatin + Ezetimibe  [Vytorin]
.  Simvastatin + Niacin  [Somcor]

Adverse Effects

–  Elevated liver enzymes [LFT’s]
–  Skeletal muscle damage or pain
–  Muscle cramps
–  GI upset

Grapefruit or Grapefruit juice can inhibit the metabolism of statins – which increases the level of statins